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Watergate Salad is a classic side dish or dessert salad that we make for all the holidays. Simple ingredients makes this pistachio pineapple delight a family favorite.

A bowl of luscious Watergate Salad, adorned with a cherry, sits amid forks, a vibrant floral napkin, and scattered nuts and marshmallows atop a hexagonal-patterned surface.
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We love making this classic salad for any family gatherings or potlucks. Everything combines easily in one bowl which makes it the perfect recipe for my kids to help.

The creamy texture, budget friendly ingredients and amazing flavor makes this a must for any celebration. If you have tried out Strawberry Fluff Salad, Orange Fluff or Pineapple Fluff then you are going to love this Watergate Salad. You may even like Raspberry Pretzel Salad.

What is Watergate Salad?

Watergate Salad has been called many different things. You may know it as Pistachio Fluff, Pistachio Delight, Ambrosia Salad and even the green stuff. The taste is still the same and the steps are too.

There are many ways to make it which is why we love it so much. If you grew up on it, now is the perfect time to make for your family.

Ingredients

A hexagonal tile surface showcases the delightful ingredients for a classic Watergate Salad: a bowl of whipped cream, canned pineapple, chopped walnuts, shredded coconut, marshmallows, maraschino cherries, and a box of Jell-O pistachio pudding mix—a timeless dessert recipe.
  • Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix – You can use any flavor of instant pudding mix
  • Crushed Pineapple With Juice – Mandarin Oranges is a great substitute
  • Miniature Marshmallows – Marshmallows make the best fluff salad
  • Chopped Walnuts – Chopped pecans is a great substitute nuts
  • Whipped Topping, thawed – Cool Whip works best
  • Sweetened Shredded Coconut – You can omit if you do not like coconut
  • Maraschino Cherries – Love the pop of red color gives to the green fluff

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

How to Make Watergate Salad

A large glass bowl with lime green gelatin mix and crushed pineapple sits on a hexagonal patterned surface, reminiscent of a classic Watergate Salad. Surrounding it are small bowls of marshmallows, nuts, shredded coconut, and whipped cream. A floral cloth is partially visible.

Step 1 – In a large bowl, stir together the pistachio pudding mix and the undrained can of crushed pineapple until the pudding mix is fully dissolved and thickened.

A glass bowl on a hexagonal white surface holds the classic Watergate Salad ingredients: mini marshmallows, chopped walnuts, and shredded coconut atop a green pistachio mixture. Nearby bowls overflow with whipped cream and maraschino cherries, while a floral cloth adds a touch of elegance.

Step 2 – Gently fold in the mini marshmallows and chopped walnuts, and shredded coconut, stirring until everything is evenly combined.

A bowl of pistachio pudding mix with crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and chopped nuts forms the delightful Watergate Salad dessert. It's topped with whipped cream, a spatula rests in the bowl. In the background, a small bowl of maraschino cherries and a floral cloth are visible.

Step 3 – Add the whipped topping and gently fold it into the mixture until smooth and creamy.

A glass bowl filled with classic green Watergate Salad is covered with plastic wrap on a hexagonal-tiled surface. Nearby, a small bowl of cherries accompanies a spatula and a floral-patterned cloth, creating a nostalgic culinary scene.

Step 4 – Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend and the marshmallows to soften slightly.

  • Step 5 – Before serving, garnish the salad with maraschino cherries, if desired.

Expert Tips

  • Marshmallows – If you prefer softer marshmallows, be sure to mix them in before chilling for at least an hour, so they soak up some moisture and become soft. If you like them with a bit more chew, you can add them just before serving instead of chilling them in the mixture.
  • Combining Ingredients – When mixing the concoction together make sure to gently combine with a spatula instead of a hand mixer. This ensures that the ingredients do not break down.
  • Chill Salad – To ensure that the mixture blends together, we recommend placing it in the fridge covered with plastic wrap to chill.
A white plate holds a serving of the classic Watergate Salad, a delightful dessert featuring green pistachio flavors topped with a cherry. Nearby, a bowl of cherries and mini marshmallows rest on a colorful floral napkin, while two forks lie poised on the patterned tablecloth.

Serving Suggestions

Watergate Salad is a classic side dish that we make for potlucks, Christmas and Thanksgiving. Some of my family like to enjoy it with their Christmas Turkey and Crockpot Spiral Ham.

But you can also enjoy as a dessert salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Watergate Salad in Advance?

Yes, this is the perfect salad to make in advance. My family loves this recipe so much that I like to double the recipe.

How to Store Leftover Watergate Salad

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. 

Can I Freeze Watergate Salad?

Yes, you can place the leftover Watergate Salad in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. But just know that the texture of the marshmallows may change after the Watergate Salad thaws.

A plate of vintage Watergate Salad garnished with a cherry on top. This classic salad is fluffy, featuring marshmallows and nuts. In the background, white canisters and a bowl with more salad rest on a pristine white countertop, evoking timeless charm from traditional salad recipes.

More Easy Salad Recipes

We love to hear from you. If you make Watergate Salad Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.

Watergate Salad

5 from 1 vote
Watergate Salad is a classic side dish or dessert salad that we make for all the holidays. Simple ingredients makes this pistachio pineapple delight a family favorite.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 8
Cuisine American
Course Dessert, Side Dish
Calories 208

Ingredients

  • 1 pkg 3.4 ounce instant pistachio pudding mix
  • 1 can 20 ounce crushed pineapple, undrained
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 1/2 cups whipped topping thawed
  • 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • Maraschino cherries for garnish optional
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Instructions

  • In a large bowl, stir together the pistachio pudding mix and the undrained can of crushed pineapple until the pudding mix is fully dissolved and thickened.
  • Gently fold in the mini marshmallows and chopped walnuts, and shredded coconut, stirring until everything is evenly combined.
  • Add the whipped topping and gently fold it into the mixture until smooth and creamy.
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend and the marshmallows to soften slightly.
  • Before serving, garnish the salad with maraschino cherries, if desired.

Recipe Notes

If you prefer softer marshmallows, be sure to mix them in before chilling for at least an hour, so they soak up some moisture and become soft. If you like them with a bit more chew, you can add them just before serving instead of chilling them in the mixture.
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 208kcal, Carbohydrates 33g, Protein 2g, Fat 9g, Saturated Fat 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat 4g, Monounsaturated Fat 1g, Cholesterol 0.3mg, Sodium 204mg, Potassium 144mg, Fiber 2g, Sugar 28g, Vitamin A 53IU, Vitamin C 34mg, Calcium 29mg, Iron 1mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

5 from 1 vote

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Comments

  1. Casey says:

    5 stars
    The best flavor and texture!